ACTION ON - In 'Star Trek Legacy,' combat can be as exciting as the TV shows at times, and laser fire and explosions light up the far reaches of space. CNS Photo courtesy of Bethesda.

'RAYMAN RAVING RABBIDS' - In 'Rayman Raving Rabbids,' Rayman is tossed into a gladiator-style arena surrounded by rabid rabbits out for his blood. CNS Photo courtesy of Ubisoft.

CRAZY RABBITS - In 'Rayman Raving Rabbids,' you must pass each set of games to advance to the next set, and the crowd reacts to your performance with cheers or boos. CNS Photo courtesy of Ubisoft.

On paper, a "Star Trek" video game in which players can command starships from every branch of the series sounds like heaven to a fan.

However, Bethesda Softwork's latest action title, "Star Trek Legacy," bogs virtual captains down with enough tedious actions and unexciting combat to make them want to start a mutiny.

With missions taking upward of an hour to complete, any type of mid-mission save option would be welcome. It could mean the difference between continuing with the game or picking up another title. Unfortunately, players can only save at the end of a completed mission, resulting in needless frustration.

It doesn't help that the camera sometimes displays awkward angles during combat, or that the player frequently has to switch between ships to make repairs. Doesn't the artificial intelligence know one of the basic rules of combat? If a ship gets damaged, it should be repaired.

Despite the shortcomings, "Star Trek" aficionados will appreciate the ability to play the roles of Capts. Archer, Kirk, Picard, Sisko and Janeway along the "Star Trek" timeline. Combat can be as exciting as the TV shows at times, and impressive special effects such as laser fire and explosions light up the far reaches of space.

The game offers smooth online combat for up to four players and authentic "Star Trek" battles. But I can't recommend "Star Trek Legacy" for anything more than a rental.

Game: "Rayman Raving Rabbids"

Publisher: Ubisoft

System: Nintendo Wii

Cost: $50

ESRB rating: E

Review rating: 2 stars

With so many Wii titles focusing on mini-games rather than actual innovation, one has to wonder if programming for the handy little console is difficult. Most people would rather play a Rayman platform game on the Wii, but Ubisoft has seen fit to release a collection of mini-games called "Rayman Raving Rabbids" instead.

Rather than jumping straight into the action, Rayman is tossed into a gladiator-style arena surrounded by rabid rabbits out for his blood, or whatever strange goo fills the limbless icon's veins. He must pass each set of games to advance to the next set, and the crowd reacts to his performance with cheers or boos.

Still, just like dear old Mom's "gourmet liver steak," encasing something in a familiar package isn't enough to hide its true flavor. Granted, there are plenty of humorous and clever moments in the game, but nothing even remotely new is offered.

Anyone bold enough to play mini-games by themselves will quickly become weary of this title, but the oddball humor is perfect for group settings. Believe me, everyone will laugh during the "Cow Toss" event, and also become sickeningly intrigued with picking worms out of a rabbit's cavity-riddled teeth in "Bunnies Don't Use Toothpaste."

Because of its brevity and other limitations, "Rayman Raving Rabbids" would fare much better as a bargain bin game.